Noah’s Ark toy may sail away with $14,000

VINELAND, N.J. — Bertoia Auctions’ March 28-29 Toy & Holiday auction will be flush with 1,400 lots of toys, dolls and holiday antiques, including three variations of the legendary Marx Merry Makers Band, unique European carousels and Father Christmas display figures.

The sale will begin at 10 a.m. on both days. Bidders may preview the items from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the week preceding the auction, and one hour prior to each session. All forms of bidding will be available, including absentee, phone or live online at LiveAuctioneers.com.

A selection of 125 toys will kick things off, including a great selection of Popeye toys such as Popeye boxing, walking, flying a plane, playing basketball and working with a boxer’s punching bag. Also included are Disney’s Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio, and Warner Brothers’ Porky Pig. Tin toys will be represented by 300 lots such as Butter and Egg Man, Red the Ice Man and many walking toys, such as Tom Twist and Hey Hey Chicken Snatcher, as well as all variations of the Big Parade, and a series of war cars. More than 300 cast-iron automotive toys featuring autos, trucks, buses and taxis will also be up for grabs.

Collectors of European toys are in for a treat, as a variety of windups including scarce Gunthermann minstrels, musicians, dancers and a scull with four oarsmen, as well as key-wind and hand-crank automata, will cross the auction block. Not to be outdone by the rest, teddy bears in all sizes will be offered, including a scarce rod bear; as well as an interesting grouping of Schoenhuts and early games.

The last 400 lots of the auction consist of Erzebirge, skittles and exceptional Christmas and holiday lots, including an array of pre-World War I Dresdens, Father Christmas display figures and Santas in sleighs – one of loofah; the other of wicker – are expected to keep bidding paddles busy.